The MP4-22’s design was led by Paddy Lowe, Neil Oatley, Pat Fry, Mike Coughlan and Simon Lacey, with the engine – a bespoke Mercedes-Benz unit – designed by Andy Cowell and Markus Duesmann. The car was first revealed during testing at the Circuit de Valencia in Spain on January 15, 2007. The design philosophy behind the MP4-22 centered on “advanced engineering concepts” and “novel aerodynamic solutions.” On January 17, 2007, Fernando Alonso completed a shakedown test at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, achieving a fastest lap time of 1:12.050.
Technically, the MP4-22 marked McLaren’s return to Bridgestone tyres, having last used them with the MP4-16 in 2001. Development continued throughout the season, with a unique front wing design tested by Pedro de la Rosa at Catalunya on May 1, 2007. This wing featured a thin carbon fibre element spanning between the end plates, arching over the nosecone. It debuted in the Spanish Grand Prix and was later removed at the Italian Grand Prix due to the high-speed, low-drag requirements of the Monza circuit. The MP4-22 was also the last McLaren Formula One car to utilize traction control, as new FIA regulations for the 2008 season mandated a standard ECU for all teams, effectively banning driver aids.
The 2007 season saw the MP4-22 prove significantly more competitive than its predecessor, with McLaren securing eight race victories compared to none in 2006. The car demonstrated exceptional reliability, completing every race without a mechanical retirement, and was consistently one of the fastest cars on the grid alongside the Ferraris. The low downforce package of the MP4-22 proved particularly effective. McLaren accumulated as many team points in the first half of the 2007 season as they had for the entirety of 2006. However, a fierce rivalry developed between Alonso and Hamilton, compounded by disagreements between Alonso and team management. This internal strife contributed to both drivers ultimately losing the championship; Kimi Räikkönen of Ferrari winning the Drivers' Championship by a single point, despite McLaren leading for much of the season. Lewis Hamilton held a 17-point lead with two races remaining. The team led the Constructors' Championship until the Italian Grand Prix.
Following allegations that the MP4-22 benefited from data obtained illicitly from Ferrari, McLaren was excluded from the Constructors' Championship. As a result, McLaren did not receive any Constructors’ Championship points, despite the car’s performance. McLaren drivers completed 5,340 racing kilometres during the 2007 season, with 45% of those kilometres spent leading a race. A total of 27,150 kilometres were completed in testing, with contributions from Fernando Alonso (8,277 km), Lewis Hamilton (7,714 km), Pedro de la Rosa (8,277 km), Gary Paffett (2,842 km), and Jamie Green (28 km).
The MP4-22 retained the chrome livery and red accents of its predecessor, with Vodafone continuing as the title sponsor. New sponsors included Aigo and Santander, while SAP, Hilton, Henkel, and Schüco were retained. Mutua Madrileña joined as a personal sponsor for Fernando Alonso. During the French Grand Prix, the Johnnie Walker logos were removed due to local regulations prohibiting alcohol advertising.
The MP4-22 was succeeded by the McLaren MP4-23.
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